At a glance
- LanguagesFrench, English; interpreter for Russian, Arabic, Italian
- First consultationBy video, with the quote
- Cooling-off period15 days between quote and surgery
- Stay after surgery1 to 2 weeks for most procedures
- ClinicClinique Oxford, Cannes
- AirportNice Côte d’Azur, 25 km
Dr Victor Médard de Chardon, a plastic surgeon qualified in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, operates in Cannes at the Clinique Oxford. Patients from abroad start with a video consultation, after which the detailed quote is sent; the examination is completed at the practice a few days before surgery. French law requires at least 15 days between the quote and the operation, so a single trip is usually enough, and most procedures call for a stay of one to two weeks in Cannes before flying home.
Prices: rhinoplasty €6,000 to €10,000; eyelid surgery €3,000 to €7,500; facelift €3,000 to €15,000; breast augmentation €5,000 to €10,000; tummy tuck €5,000 to €10,000. Consultation €100.
1. Your surgeon in Cannes
Dr Médard de Chardon trained at Nice University Hospital and has practised in Cannes since 2011; his practice at 101 rue d’Antibes has been open since 2018. In France, cosmetic surgery may only be performed by a surgeon whose qualification is registered with the Ordre des médecins, in an approved facility. Operations take place at the Clinique Oxford, a few minutes from the practice.
Consultations are held in French or English, and the whole team speaks English; an interpreter can be arranged for Russian, Arabic and Italian. His experience includes more than 1,300 rhinoplasties, more than 3,000 breast implants, more than 3,000 eyelid operations, more than 1,800 liposuctions and more than 1,000 tummy tucks: see the practice in figures and the surgeon’s background.
2. Step by step
- Send your request and up to six photos through the contact form.
- A first consultation by video, at the usual consultation fee (€100), to discuss your wishes and choose the technique; the detailed written quote is sent to you afterwards.
- At least 15 days later, you arrive in Cannes a few days before the operation.
- A consultation at the practice to complete the examination, and the anaesthetic consultation, at least 48 hours before surgery.
- The operation at the Clinique Oxford.
- One or more check-ups in Cannes before you fly home.
- Follow-up from home by video and photos, then a check-up at one year in Cannes if possible.
3. The 15-day rule
French law requires the surgeon to give you full information and a detailed written quote, then to respect a minimum period before the operation: 15 days for cosmetic surgery [3]. During this period, no payment or commitment can be asked of you, apart from the consultation fees. This protects your decision, and it also matches the advice of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons: two consultations, at least one in person, about two weeks apart [1].
As the quote can be sent after the video consultation, a single trip is usually enough: the 15 days run while you are still at home.
4. How long to stay in Cannes
| Procedure | Duration and hospital stay | Stay before flying home | First check-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhinoplasty | 1.5 to 3 h; day case or 1 night | 7 to 10 days | Splint removed on day 7 to 10 |
| Eyelid surgery | 1 to 2 h; day case or 1 night | 6 to 10 days | Stitches removed on day 6 to 10 |
| Facelift | 1 to 4 h; day case or 1 night | 10 days | First week |
| Breast augmentation | About 1 h; day case or 1 night | 6 to 7 days | Day 6 |
| Breast lift | 1.5 to 3 h; day case or 1 night | 7 to 10 days | First week |
| Liposuction | 30 min to 2 h; day case or 1 night | 7 to 10 days | Day 10 |
| Tummy tuck | 2 to 3 h; 1 to 2 nights | 10 to 14 days | First week |
These are typical durations; yours is confirmed at the consultation. When several procedures are combined, the stay is the longest of them, sometimes more.
5. Flying home safely
Sitting still for hours after an operation increases the risk of a blood clot in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) [2]. The British guidelines advise, for an operation under general anaesthetic lasting up to 3 hours, arriving at least 72 hours beforehand and staying one to two weeks afterwards; for longer or combined operations, one week before and two to four weeks after [1].
- Fly only after at least one check-up with your surgeon.
- Wear compression stockings, choose an aisle seat, drink water and walk during the flight.
- Continue the anticoagulant injections if they have been prescribed for you.
- Keep your discharge letter and, after breast augmentation, your implant card with you.
6. Follow-up once you are home
The practice remains reachable by phone and e-mail throughout your recovery. Check-ups at one, three and six months can be done by video, with photos you send; a check-up at one year in Cannes is preferable. You leave with your operative report and discharge letter in English, so that your own doctor can follow you if needed. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department and let the practice know.
7. Prices
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Rhinoplasty | €6,000 to €10,000 |
| Eyelid surgery | €3,000 to €7,500 |
| Facelift | €3,000 to €15,000 |
| Breast augmentation | €5,000 to €10,000 |
| Breast lift | €4,000 to €7,500 |
| Liposuction | €2,500 to €15,000 |
| Tummy tuck | €5,000 to €10,000 |
The quote includes the surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees and the clinic fees; travel and accommodation are not included. Payment is made on the same terms as for all patients, including bitcoin and ether, once the 15-day period is over. The consultation costs €100, in person or by video. Cosmetic surgery is generally not covered by health insurance, in France or abroad. All prices are on the prices page.
8. Getting to Cannes
Nice Côte d’Azur airport, with direct flights from much of Europe and beyond, is about 25 km from Cannes, around 30 minutes by car or train. The practice is at 101 rue d’Antibes, in the town centre, and the Clinique Oxford at 33 boulevard d’Oxford. Many hotels are within walking distance of both.
Find out more: the surgeon · the Clinique Oxford · preparing for surgery · prices · frequently asked questions · contact
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr Médard de Chardon speak English?
Yes. Consultations are held in French or English, and the whole team speaks English. An interpreter can be arranged for Russian, Arabic and Italian.
Can the first consultation be done remotely?
Yes, by video, at the usual consultation fee (€100). The detailed quote is sent afterwards, and the examination is completed at the practice a few days before surgery.
Why do I have to wait 15 days after the quote?
French law requires at least 15 days between the detailed quote and a cosmetic operation, with no payment asked during this period apart from the consultation.
How long should I stay in Cannes after surgery?
From 6 days to 2 weeks depending on the procedure: about a week for a rhinoplasty or breast augmentation, 10 to 14 days for a tummy tuck.
When can I fly home?
After at least one check-up with your surgeon, with compression stockings and, if prescribed, anticoagulant injections.
What if I have a problem once I am home?
Contact the practice by phone or e-mail; photos and a video consultation are usually enough. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.
References
- British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). Cosmetic tourism guidelines, version 1, September 2023. baaps.org.uk
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Post-surgery considerations abroad. isaps.org
- Code de la santé publique, article L. 6322-2 (information, devis détaillé et délai avant une intervention de chirurgie esthétique) ; délai fixé à 15 jours par l’article D. 6322-30. legifrance.gouv.fr